In this sermon we show that the Hebrew and Greek words translated as fear in scripture have a wide range of meanings. We are to fear God in the right way and hold Him in reverence, awe, respect and thanksgiving. Yet we are reminded that God is also a God of judgment. Scripture admonishes us not to fear mam/ The fearful will not be in the Kingdom of God. Yet God commands us to respect those in authority and grow in love and concern. The apostle John writes, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.” (1Jo 4:18) We become perfect in love by keeping the commandments.

Donald Ward

Elder, United Church of God

Before his retirement in 2021, Dr. Donald Ward pastored churches in Texas and Louisiana, and taught at Ambassador Bible College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has also served as chairman of the Council of Elders of the United Church of God. He holds a BS degree; a BA in theology; a MS degree; a doctor’s degree in education from East Texas State University; and has completed 18 hours of graduate theology from SMU.